With no boundary fences between it and the world renowned Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand enjoys an abundance of diverse wildlife. The entire Big Five is well represented, and other rare animals, such as the cheetah and hyena are often sighted. Various antelope species, from impala, waterbuck and duiker to kudu, bushbuck and nyala can also be seen. However, it is the leopard that is the real star of the show, with the area well known for some of the best leopard experiences in Africa. This shy and elusive animal, normally the most solitary of the African cats is often viewed both in daylight hours and during game drives.

In contrast to the leopard, lion are the most sociable of the cat family and prides may consist of up to 12 related females and their cubs, as well as a far smaller number of related males, often brothers. A number of lion prides have territories in the area and are regularly seen on game drives. In the middle of the cat social range is the cheetah. Although not as common as the leopard or lion, cheetah are also frequently sighted. Built for speed instead of power, this formidable predator generally hunts during the day when its rivals are resting. This daytime hunting habit occasionally creates spectacular sightings of the fastest animal in the world in action.

Night drives are an important part of the game viewing experience and provide an opportunity to view many unusual animals. The beautifully patterned African civet is one such nocturnal creature. Hiding in holes or thickets until after sunset, it cannot be viewed during daylight hours. Another animal often encountered is the dwarf mongoose, Africa’s smallest carnivore. Family troops of up to 30 live in numerous hiding places in the sides of termite mounds. A typical though hair-raising sound often encountered on night drives is the wail of the bushbaby, a forlorn noise that imitates the plaintive cry of a human infant.

Recent Sightings from Wildwatch.com

LEOPARD SUFFOCATES IMPALA - 11 April 2013
On a gorgeous afternoon in Sabi Sand Game Reserve, we came upon a female leopard stalking a lone male Impala. The take down was clinical. A sudden jolt from the leopard crouched in the tall grass brought the helpless Impala down to the ground. What...
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LIONESS AND HER CUBS - 10 April 2013
In the afternoon glow of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, a lioness bonds with her cubs as they drink mother's milk.
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TESTOSTERONE - 30 November 2012
We didn't know what we were going to look for because my guests had seen everything already. It was one of my guests last morning and they said let's just see what's out there. Not long into the drive - it was only ten minutes and we found three of the...
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